Release mechanism for rows of collapsible seats

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for setting up and collapsing long rows of seats for stadiums or auditoriums, wherein a simple camoperated release mechanism is operated from the end of each row permitting simple, convenient and rapid collapsing of rows with a minimum of personnel.

I claim: 
     
       1. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of adjoining seats in an upright position on a base and for releasing them to pivot into a collapsed position, comprising: side stanchions for said seats,   means for adjoining said seats to form an extended row;   means for pivoting said stanchions to said base comprising: a link pivoted to each stanchion and to said base,   a guide plate mounted on said base,   a slot in said guide plate,   a pin on the lower end of each stanchion below said link and sliding in said slot, and   said link, slot, and pin arranged to guide the pivotal motion of said stanchions from an upright position to a collapsed position parallel to said base;     means for releasing said stanchions from the upright position comprising: a torsion bar, journalled to said base running parallel to said seats in the vicinity of the lower ends of said stanchions;   a cam mounted on said bar adjacent each stanchion in position to strike and lift each said pin when the torsion bar is rotated, and     means for rotating said bar.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 further characterized by: a notch in said slot for restricting motion of said stanchion, when in the upright position, in all directions except upward.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus defined in claim 1 further characterized by: means associated with said pin and slot for compensating for progressive twisting of said torsion bar due to the load of seats inwardly of the ends of said row.